Questions to Ask Before Buying a Moroccan Rug: A No-Nonsense Guide

Buying a Moroccan Rug

Shopping for a Moroccan rug can be overwhelming. Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and get to the questions that matter – the ones that’ll help you spot a quality Berber rug worth your investment.

The Quality Questions

Soft wool texture rug

First, let’s talk about what’s actually under your feet:

  • “What kind of wool is used?” (At Berber Handicraft, we use premium Atlas Mountain wool, harvested during specific seasons for optimal quality)
  • “How many knots per square foot?” (Our rugs have 2100 knots per square foot – that’s what gives them that plush, durable feel)
  • “Is this handmade or machine-made?” (Each of our rugs is crafted entirely by hand, taking 3-5 weeks to complete)

The Authenticity Check

Here’s where you separate real craftsmanship from clever marketing:

  • “Can you tell me about the artisan who made this rug?”
  • “What region is this rug from?”
  • “How was this rug dyed?”

(We can tell you the exact family who crafted your rug and the natural dyes they used)

The Practical Stuff

Brown berber rug on a living room

These questions save headaches later:

  • “What’s the actual thickness of the rug?”
  • “How does it hold up under furniture?”
  • “What’s the best way to clean it?”
  • “Do I need a special pad underneath?”

The Investment Questions

Smart questions that protect your investment:

  • “How will this rug age?”
  • “Can it be repaired if needed?”
  • “What’s your return policy?”
  • “Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?”

The Design Reality

Moroccan berber rug on sunlight

Don’t forget to ask:

  • “Are the colors exactly as shown in photos?”
  • “Can I see more photos in different lighting?”
  • “What’s the actual size, including any fringe?”

Red Flag Questions

Watch out if you can’t get clear answers about:

  • The exact wool source
  • The dying process
  • The weaving technique
  • The rug’s origin

Why These Questions Matter

At Berber Handicraft, we love these questions because:

  • They show you know quality
  • They help us demonstrate our craftsmanship
  • They lead to better-informed choices
  • They result in happier customers

Our Promise

pastel berber rug

When you buy from us:

  • We’ll answer all these questions (and more) before you ask
  • You’ll know exactly what you’re getting
  • You’ll understand the value of your investment
  • You’ll have a rug that meets your expectations

Remember: A quality rug maker should be excited to answer your questions, not dodge them. If you’re getting vague answers, that’s a red flag.

Your perfect Berber rug is out there. Ask the right questions, and you’ll find it. Explore our Moroccan rugs collection and let us help you find the one that fits your home perfectly.

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Moroccan Rugs FAQ

  • Yes, always. Every rug we offer is woven by hand on traditional looms in the Atlas Mountains. No shortcuts, no machines — just real artisans keeping their craft alive. The tiny variations in pattern and weave? That’s the beauty of a handmade piece, not a flaw.
    Meet the Makers

  • Think of it like this:

    • Berber rug → any rug woven by Morocco’s Berber tribes.
    • Moroccan rug → the wider category, covering Berber, kilim, flatweave styles.
    • Beni Ourain rug → a specific type, ivory wool with minimalist diamonds, soft and timeless.
      Each name tells part of the story.

  • Easily. That’s why designers love them.

    • Quiet luxury → ivory Beni Ourain rugs under walnut tables and linen sofas.
    • Dopamine décor → bold Azilal or Boujaad rugs that pop with color and texture.
    • Minimalist homes → clean checkered rugs for crisp or engraved textures without playing with colors like our Scale collection, for modern rooms.
      One tradition, endless styles.

  • Yes. They’re made with natural wool, hand-spun yarn, and small-batch dyes. When you buy from us, you’re supporting cooperatives, fair wages, and keeping Moroccan traditions alive.

  • Decades. With a little care, your Berber rug will outlast trends and maybe even become a family heirloom. Wool is naturally strong, stain-resistant, and soft underfoot — built for real living.

    • Shedding: A little at first. It’s just loose wool fibers working themselves out. It calms down with time (around 2 weeks).
    • Smell: You might notice a faint lanolin scent — that’s the natural oil from sheep’s wool. It fades quickly and reminds you it’s the real thing.

  • Absolutely. at your desired size, colors, even the motifs. We’ll weave it from scratch and ship it to you. Custom means it’s yours alone.
    Start creating your rug

    • Vacuum gently (no roller brush).
    • Rotate it every few months.
    • Dab spills with mild soap and water.
    • Send it to a wool rug specialist if you want a deep clean.
      Simple care, long life.

    Our complete care guide